School on the Slopes: A Guide to Ski Lessons for Kids

The skies have opened up, and while that means wet days at home, it means perfect powder for skiing up in the mountains. There are plenty of places in Tahoe and beyond that are perfect for getting your littles onto skis and snowboards for the first time, or for your more experienced bunnies to practice their skills. So whether you’re looking for the most tricked-out resort or else something more low-key (and low-pressure), these family favorites have lessons for all levels of little learners.

Photo credit: Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows

Badger Pass at YosemiteYosemite National Park is a spectacular setting to learn how to ski with lots of learning options here for the 4–6 set through the Badger Pups Downhill Ski/Snowboard Program; packages include rental equipment, helmet and beginner lift tickets. The All Day Kids Camp is available on weekends and holidays for all your skiers and snowboarders in training (just make sure to book early!). Buses leave hourly from Yosemite Valley to Badger Pass.

Northstar CaliforniaWhen you think of ultimate ski resorts, this is one of them; it has everything for the adventuring family: an ice skating rink, tubing, a bungee trampoline, and plenty of luxury accommodations from condos to The Ritz. To get your kids onto skis, The Ski + Snowboard School features their Northstar Teaching System with coaches who are consistent in their guiding styles, plus a fun beginner area for newbies. Lessons start for kids as young as 3 years old.

Boreal Mountain PlaygroundThis mid-size, ultra family-friendly mountain is one of the smaller and more affordable resorts, making it a great learning playground for kids ages 4–12. Their Children’s Snowports lessons include the Micro Explorers (ages 4–6; skiing) and Mountain Explorers (ages 7–12; skiing + snowboarding), both groups are designed for developing skills and confidence.

Diamond PeakFrom breathtaking views to un-crowded runs, this resort nestled in the Incline Village has an award-winning ski school. Their Child Ski Center is geared toward kids ages 3–7 with a separate learning area and low instructor to child ratio of 1:5. There are group and private lessons, plus an all day ski school called March of the Penguins. They also have a 100% guarantee—if your personal needs are not addressed in a lesson, you’ll receive another lesson at no charge. The Ski & Snowboard School is designed for kids ages 7+.

Dodge RidgeFor something outside of the normal Tahoe crowds, head to Tuolumne County for the perfect low-pressure, family-friendly setting with an easy-to-navigate mountain. The kids’ program includes Intro to Snow (starting as young as age 2!), a beginners Kinder Ski + Ride (ages 4-5), and the Kid’s Club class (ages 4-12). There’s also instruction for kids with special physical or cognitive needs taught by certified Snowsports Adaptive instructors. Make sure to reserve any special adaptive ski equipment in advance.

Donner Ski RanchDonner Ski Ranch is a great alternative to some of the higher priced resorts, it’s smaller and offers a more relaxed and low-pressure learning environment for the whole family, especially your youngest members. Snowflakes Ski School (ages 3–6) has its own kids’ room and a low student-to-instructor ratio while Snow Shredders (ages 5–6) is designed for the youngest of snowboarders. Both programs have morning, afternoon, and full day options.

HeavenlyThis resort located on the California Nevada border has it all: an amazing gondola ride, varied terrain, tubing, a village with boutiques and restaurants plus (of course) a fun ski school for all levels of skiers, which includes an Adapative Ski Program taught by specially trained instructors. Ultimate bonus—it’s one of the few resorts with a state-licensed daycare, nursery and preschool for your littlest ones (6 weeks to 6 years).

Homewood Mountain ResortLocated right between North and South Tahoe with beautiful views, their daily kids’ program includes ski and snowboard lessons, as well as ski teams designed to help kids develop technical skills in a non-intimidating environment. The teams include Super Sliders (ages 4 to 12), Development Team (ages 5–15), and Ski Race Team (ages 7–15). This popular resort also has complimentary shuttles, rentals, and five on-mountain restaurants.

KirkwoodThis mountain village getaway is perfect for any high-intensity, adventure-loving family, where young skiers get deep powder and some of the best terrain in the region to learn on; the ski school offers group and private lessons broken down by age and equipment (mini groms, snowboarders 3–4 yrs.; groms, snowboarders 5–12 yrs.; mini rippers, skiers 3-4 yrs. ; Mt Explorers, skiers 5-12 yrs.). After the end of a long ski and snowboarding day, the whole family can enjoy different options with lots of dining choices, spectacular views atop the Sierra Crest, and even a zip-line excursion.

Mt. RoseHere you’ll find Tahoe’s highest base resort as well as a fun and easy place for the first-time bunnies in your family. The focus of their ski school is on helping beginners ages 4–10 gain technical skills in gliding, stopping, and turning while in a non-intimidating setting; lessons include rental gear and a lift ticket.

Squaw Valley Alpine MeadowsThis home to the 1960 Winter Olympics can also teach your Olympians-in-training. Kids as young as 3 learn on the flats in their Snow Cubs program (about a 3-to-1 student to teacher ratio). They also have a Teaching Tykes program, that arms parents with tips, skills, and techniques on how to make skiing and snowboarding safe and fun for their kids. And don’t forget about all of the off-hill fun including a family zone with an easy beginner lift, two moving carpets, mini snowmobiles, and the ever-important day lodge to snack up.

Sugar BowlThis is North America’s largest cross country resort, which for parents (and more advanced kiddos) means 200km of varied terrain and groomed trails across four great peaks (they also boast the shortest lift lines and least crowded slopes). At The Den, kids can hone their skiing skills, starting at the level of “Never-Ever” all the way up through “Advanced” (the school takes kids as young as 4 and is open on weekends and holidays).